Bookstore Announces Rent-A-Text Program

News Date:

Wed. 07/28/2010

The Friends University Bookstore will begin offering textbook rental services at the campus bookstore this fall. Rent-A-Text will offer students a rental option on textbooks – savings that represent 50 percent or more off the price of new textbooks.

“We are eager to launch Rent-A-Text because we are committed to providing students with affordable textbook choices,” said Michael Sullivan, bookstore manager. “Additionally, we believe Friends University may be the first institution of higher learning in the area to offer text rental both in-store and online.”

The Friends University Bookstore’s textbook rental program will:

allow students to choose a preferred form of payment, including financial aid and campus cards

allow students the freedom to highlight and take notes all within the normal wear and tear associated with course work

give students the choice to buy their textbook at the end of the term if they want to keep the book

be available to students in-store and online with in-store pick up

Rent-A-Text will be offered through Friends University’s ongoing partnership with Follett Higher Education Group. The program is based on Follett’s comprehensive pilot program that saved students nearly $2 million on their course materials in just one semester at seven schools. More than 90 percent of students surveyed who rented textbooks expressed satisfaction with the pilot program.

“We have been at the forefront of cost-savings programs for more than a century,” said Thomas A. Christopher, president of Follett Higher Education Group. “Helping to reduce the costs of higher education is part of our mission, and we look forward to working with Friends University to deliver substantial textbook savings to students.”

To be eligible, students must register at www.Rent-A-Text.com and provide credit/debit card information as collateral to ensure timely return. Payment of rental fees is handled in the store in a manner of the student’s choosing. The student may keep the rental until the last day of finals at Friends University at no additional charge.